Monday, January 11, 2010

year end 2009

Sometimes in life, I have done things I know were wrong, but I
have done them anyway...And sometimes a little voice
tells me...you are useless...you are bad...doing these stupid
things....

But I FINALLY REALIZED-- although I'm a sinner, the GOD of the universe loves me. And even when I do screw up, I'm not a horrible person--I'm forgiven.

2007-2008 were difficult years in my life, but as I have walked through 2009, I have felt
CHALLENGED
PUSHED
LIFTED
LOVED
by the Lord our GOD like never before.

As God has
transformed me
broken me
molded me

In this last year, I have felt His nearness and watch-care like never before.

I am learning more and more what it means when I boldly proclaim, "I will go where HE wants me to GO."

This year God has lead me to:
B.C., Canada
Hawaii, USA
South Africa
Ontario, Canada

In 2010, I plan on staying in South Africa until April with YWAM/Voice for the Voiceless, continuing to seek HIS justice, and serve the community of Capricorn.

I have started to pray about what's next for me and ask God where I
should go in the summer and fall.

My heart is to see our generation rise up with strength and passion, to challenge them to step out in faith, to see them live with Hope as they embrace the love of our God.

And now an opportunity has come up for me to staff at the Circle Square Ranch
Arden, Ontario, (a summer youth camp) so please pray along side me as
I make this commitment.

I am also applying to staff a YWAM Discipleship Training School (DTS) in September 2010 called "Community Transformation" which is based out of Kona, Hawaii--the place where I came to know Jesus more and more this past spring.

This is my pursuit of a Christ-life existence.

This is my real life.

As the new year starts, I would like to ask for prayer for
MORE--
vision
wisdom
finances
and discernment;
that I would be a faithful servant,
a bold leader--
and a man of integrity.

Thank you for all that you've given me in finances and encouragement--I could not be here today without you!

peace, LOVE and cut-off shorts,

Jonathan James Grime

thepursuitofchrist.blogspot.com
www.voiceforthevoiceless.co.za/



ps. call me? 072 789 2035

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Dec.17.09 update

As you may all know, I have been asking God some hard questions and in turn, expecting some hard answers.

What is my purpose on this earth?
What am I doing in South Africa?
How can i effectively serve the people here?
Am I really making an impact?
What more can I be doing?

Through the 5 or so weeks I have been here, the one answer I have been hearing is "yes". Funny right?
The only thing i hear God is telling me is, "yes Jonathan, be all you can be, do my work here on earth". Just simply caring for people, loving them for who they are, serving in any way I can, praying, playing, teaching, listening, singing, being a part of their lives.

I've spent the past 3 weeks working along side my friends Clinton and Lydia, who have dedicated their time here to seeing Gods love poured out on the people of Capricorn. Like I have stated before, we are leading simple home churches, bible studies with adults and children alike, and as the new year approaches we're praying to see these groups multiply and more hearts turned towards Christ.

I have been told by many South Africans that the holidays around here can get a bit hectic
and because of the busyness of this time of year, we have prayerfully decided to take a bit of a break from the home groups. Please be praying for safety as many of our friends are traveling home to see their families for Christmas.

Thank you so much for all your encouraging emails. They truly bring brightness and joy to my day/week and to be honest, I sometimes really NEED them.

I pray this Christmas season brings you all joy, love, and happiness. Keep your eyes focused on the true meaning of this all; Jesus Christ.

Jonathan

Monday, November 23, 2009

Searching for truth and purpose....

I have spent this past week searching, seeking, listening to God.
Asking myself and God questions about what my purpose is here, how am
I going to be effective for HIS purposes.

As I have mentioned before, I am involved with a community called
Capricorn, which is a coloured township situated 2 km away from my
home. I have felt God prompting me to minister within this community,
with simple home church, bible studies, teen/child groups.

At the bible study held today, we were talking about working within
God's will, listening to Him and TRULY being in a deep relationship
with Jesus Christ.
I want to know Christ more and more each and every new day.
I want to fully rely on Him and not subscribe to my own set of
preconceived notions.

So in saying that, I'm praying as to what EXACTLY God would want to
use me for here. I still feel stirred to work within Capricorn, but I
NEED God to be my guide, my eyes, my ears, my words, my everything.

Please pray that I will be a humble servant.
That I would follow God into whatever He would have me do here.

Thank you

Jonathan

ps. I have a cell phone that has free incoming, so if you would like
to call, email me back and we'll set up a time to chat.

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Back in South Africa

I've made it safe.

8 seperate flights,
3 countries,
60 hours of traveling,
6 in air movies,
6 single serve meals,
I've arrived.

Still jet lagged and not sure what time zone my body is actually on at the moment, feels nothing but right to be back in the place God has called me to serve.

My regular email is not working at the moment due to SLOW South African internet. If you are receiving this message, please pass it along to anyone you think would be interested in hearing i'm safe and sound.

Thank you.

I'm heading to Namibia on Sunday, and will be back on Sat. Please pray for safety for the 20 hour bus ride, and that me, Layne and Jaylene will be a blessing to the people there.

I won't be able to check my email all week, but write me if you can and I'll be sure to write back as soon as I'm back.

Thank you for being a part of my journey.

Jonathan

Thursday, October 29, 2009

GONE baby GONE!!!

"I'm leaving on a jet, I don't know what I'll be back again"
Do you hate to see me go?

I leave TOMORROW (Friday Oct.30) for my LONG journey back to South Africa.
It's a bitter sweet feeling, re-connecting with friends and family here, missing my country, my home and now leaving again.

In this short season that I have been here, God has been teaching me about many many things.


Patience
Reliance on HIM
Trust
Resting in HIM (as this time at home has had it's ups and downs)

I can say with complete confidence that even though I felt "lost" being home, that God has purpose for me here. Speaking at youth group, church, school, and ENDLESS cups of coffee with great friends.

I am
TRULY
BLESSED!!!

You are my friends, family, ohana, my LIFE. Thank you for being a part of Gods work on this earth.

I'm going to be using THIS email (jonnygphotography@gmail.com) from now on, since yahoo is being lame and won't let me send mass emails.

I also have a blog which you can read:
http://thepursuitofchrist.blogspot.com/

I also have a facebook group which you can search:
"Jon's pursuit of Christ"

I'll be updating as often as possible while I'm in South Africa, but I also NEED to hear about what's happening in your lives. So please email me as much as you can and I'll be sure you respond.

Jonathan, to the, Grime

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Canadian Thanksgiving....

It's not just a day, or a weekend that I am thankful, so just because it's stereotypical of me to give thanks today, so I will.

THANK YOU

for

LIFE
LOVE
GODS GRACE
CANADA
YOU
FREEDOM
CHEESE BURGERS
MUSIC
ART
PHOTOGRAPHY
POETRY
TURKEY
CRANBERRY SAUCE IN A CAN
STUFFING
FAMILY
FRIENDS
YOUR MOM

Thank you one and all.

Since being home I've been reading through Acts. I'm not quite finished, but Gods been speaking to me through this day to day. Living as a vessel of Gods love, whether it's here, Vancouver, Hawaii, South Africa, Russia, where ever.

My mission in life is to speak truth and love just as God loves. So speak truth no matter what. Standing up for truth in each and every moment in life. Living sacrificially in my daily walk and humbling myself.

Even though it's only been 2.5 weeks since being back, God has provided for me to go back to South Africa. I'll be booking my flight this week to leave the first week of Nov. If I havn't seen/talked to you yet, i'm sorry. I'm trying to see as many family and friends as I can. If you would like to see me, please email/message me back and set up a time to go out for coffee. I have a lot of free time, especially for coffee and great conversation.=)

If there is anything you need/want prayer for, please let me know. I would love to be praying for you. (i'm keeping a prayer book now so I don't forget)

your THANKFUL Canadian friend

Jonathan

ps. gobble gobble